Young People have Enormous Power to Shape Better World-

The events of the past 10 months highlight the enormous power of young people in
changing the world, the Deputy Secretary-General has said, calling on this
segment of society to help shape a better future.

Asha-Rose Migiro noted that the world faces an increasingly complex set of
realities, from rising joblessness to growing inequality to the increasing
dangers of climate change. People are anxious about their well-being today and
their prospects for a better future.

“We need to forge a common agenda that can help ensure peace, prosperity,
freedom and justice for all. Young people have a crucial role to play in
building that future,” she said yesterday in remarks at the University of
Missouri in Kansas City.

“Sometimes the contributions of the world’s youth are not acknowledged
sufficiently,” Ms. Migiro noted. “But one need only look at the events of the
past 10 months to see your power.”

Young people led successful movements against repressive governments in Egypt
and Tunisia, she said. They are also combating poverty and hunger, protecting
the environment, halting the spread of HIV and AIDS, and standing up for the
rights of those who suffer discrimination based on gender, race and sexual
orientation.

“They are, in short, demanding the dignity and opportunities that are their
right.”

Ms. Migiro encouraged students to think beyond themselves and “engage with the
big challenges of our day, be a global citizen, and be part of making the world
a better place.”

Noting that technology and social media have collapsed barriers and transformed
the way young people communicate, she said there are plenty of opportunities for
them to learn about the world, engage on topics that interest them and interact
with others from around the world.

“I encourage you to follow issues that matter to you, seek out the views and
perspectives of others, and bring your own ideas into the discussion about our
common future,” she said.

In a separate address yesterday to the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the UN
Association of the United States, Ms. Migiro noted that the world faces an
increasingly complex set of realities, including a prolonged economic crisis.

There is also growing concern about the ability of governments to address
current challenges, and to deliver the results people need, when they need them,
she said, adding that these challenges and uncertainties are also a major
concern of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Last month, in his annual address to the full membership of the UN, Mr. Ban
outlined five ways to advance peace, prosperity, freedom and justice for all.

“We have five imperatives – five generational opportunities to shape the world
of tomorrow by the decisions we make today,” he said ahead of the opening of the
General Assembly’s annual high-level debate.

Mr. Ban cited sustainable development; preventing and mitigating conflicts,
human rights abuses and the impacts of natural disasters; building a safer and
more secure world; supporting countries in transition; and working to engage the
talents of women and young people.